ELAC Stands with Sitio Marihangin: A Call for Justice and the Defense of Ancestral Lands
April 9, 2025 | Puerto Princesa City, Palawan —
As the nation marked the Day of Valor, the Environmental Legal Assistance Center, Inc. (ELAC) joins other voices in expressing deep concern and firm solidarity with the residents of Sitio Marihangin, Barangay Bugsuk, Balabac, Palawan, who are currently facing threats of forced displacement and harassment by heavily armed private security personnel allegedly connected to corporate interests.
On April 4, 2025, approximately 80 armed individuals reportedly entered Sitio Marihangin, instilling fear among residents and sparking renewed outcry from indigenous communities, civil society organizations, and human rights defenders. At the heart of the dispute is the attempt to evict residents—including members of the Molbog tribe and Muslim Moro families—from lands that form part of their ancestral domain.
The affected communities have long lived on these lands, establishing homes, places of worship, and sacred sites. Their struggle is not only for territory but for the protection of identity, culture, and self-determination.
A Pattern of Dispossession
Sitio Marihangin is only the latest flashpoint in a wider pattern of land grabbing and militarization in southern Palawan. Residents and allies assert that no final and executory court order has been issued to justify any eviction, making any forced displacement illegal and a violation of due process.
Furthermore, the presence of mosques and Muslim burial grounds in the area elevates the gravity of the situation. These sacred spaces are protected by the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA), and the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
Widespread Solidarity
A growing number of organizations have issued public statements condemning the harassment of Marihangin residents. These include:
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), which denounced the use of force against their members and communities.
UP Palaweños, who called out the pattern of land grabbing in the name of “development.”
The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), expressing support for ancestral domain claims and just peace.
Philippine Collegian and Pioneer Publication (PSU), which amplified youth-led solidarity for the residents of Marihangin.
ELAC's Position
As a legal and environmental advocacy organization, ELAC reiterates that no development can be truly sustainable or just if it disregards human rights, environmental stewardship, and the voices of the marginalized.
We join the call for:
The immediate pullout of armed security personnel from Sitio Marihangin;
Respect for ancestral domain claims under the IPRA Law and the Constitution;
Genuine dialogue and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes with affected communities;
An impartial investigation into the reported harassment and use of force;
And the urgent intervention of national agencies such as the DENR, NCIP, DILG, and DOJ.
A Call to Action
As we celebrate the bravery of Filipino heroes on this Araw ng Kagitingan, let us honor their legacy by standing with those who continue to defend land, life, and dignity today.
ELAC urges concerned citizens, institutions, and policymakers to remain vigilant, speak out, and take action to protect Sitio Marihangin and other communities under threat.
📢 For legal assistance or to express support for the communities of Sitio Marihangin, contact us at elacpalawan@gmail.com or message us through our social media channels.
🔗 #DefendMariahangin #JusticeForMolbog #AncestralLandIsLife #HumanRightsAreNonNegotiable